Guest guest Posted October 8, 1999 Report Share Posted October 8, 1999 Just heard from my doctor about labs... My A1C is at 10.6, which is down from 12.1 in May, so I am making progress in controlling my diabetes. My fasting readings are now in the 150 - 170 range, but I cna only maintain this by using insulin, and I am determined to get off of it! My ultrasound results came back in one day, showing multiple deep vein thrombosis. This is from the auto accident. I am starting Heparin (?) tonight, and will see a vasscular surgeon next week. This test could have come out better! My latest chest x-ray confirms primary cardiomyopathy, with my " aortic knob " (at the top of my heart) swollen so large it is interfering with left lung expansion, and causing " mass lesion " and " pulmonary infiltrates " . Time for the medical dictionary, I guess. Rev Jim Sutter Cleveland, Ohio USA Never give up hope and imagination, they are our future http://hometown.aol.com/revjsutter/myhomepage/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 1999 Report Share Posted October 8, 1999 In a message dated 10/8/1999 4:50:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ottercritter@... writes: << Have you and your doctors contemplated surgery to improve the sleep apnea >> I had the surgery, the entire package, in 1991, it was a total failure in reducing the sleep apnea. My ENT tells me that (at the Cleveland Clinic) they no longer recommend it, because stats are showing it works in less than 20% of patients with serious apnea. Rev Jim Sutter Cleveland, Ohio USA Never give up hope and imagination, they are our future http://hometown.aol.com/revjsutter/myhomepage/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 1999 Report Share Posted October 8, 1999 In a message dated 99-10-08 16:37:47 EDT, you write: << My fasting readings are now in the 150 - 170 range, but I cna only maintain this by using insulin, and I am determined to get off of it! >> Jim, you know the end result is what's really important...if insulin gets your BGs down -- and this is the big thing -- then why don't you want to take insulin if it does the job? Is it the nuisance of taking it? Or just the idea of poking yourself? Are you using syringes? Or have you considered an insulin pen? That makes it REALLY easy. Vicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 1999 Report Share Posted October 8, 1999 That certainly is a big improvement in your HbA1c, Jim! The problem in the chest and left lung area is worrisome ... I'm trying to picture the combination of the pulmonary hypertension from the sleep apnea combining with this interference with your left lung being able to expand properly ... Have you and your doctors contemplated surgery to improve the sleep apnea? Rob was just in a sleep center last night for evaluation. The tech isn't allowed to interpret the test results to patients, but it sounded like both surgery and the Darth Vader mask may be in the cards for Rob. That auto accident has really had some repercussions. I recall your first post afterwards, before you realized how serious the injuries were. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 1999 Report Share Posted October 8, 1999 In a message dated 10/8/1999 7:36:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time, WHIMSY2@... writes: << Jim, you know the end result is what's really important...if insulin gets your BGs down -- and this is the big thing -- then why don't you want to take insulin if it does the job? Is it the nuisance of taking it? Or just the idea of poking yourself? Are you using syringes? Or have you considered an insulin pen? That makes it REALLY easy. Vicki >> I don't mind sticking myself, that's no problem. The problem is the weight I gain from it. We have eliminated all other prescriptions that were causing me to retain fluids or bulk up, the insulin is the only thing left with that effect. I know I need it, but I wish I didn't. Rev Jim Sutter Cleveland, Ohio USA Never give up hope and imagination, they are our future http://hometown.aol.com/revjsutter/myhomepage/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 1999 Report Share Posted October 8, 1999 In a message dated 10/8/1999 10:00:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ottercritter@... writes: << Jim ... <pausing ... clearing my throat ...> Are you ready to low-carb to drop the weight and the fluid and control appetite and drop your glucose levels into normal range? I keep thinking about you and what a wonderful candidate you would be for low-carbing ... It is - after all that you have been through - the simple answer that could make a tremendous difference in your health status. >> I am seriously looking at low-carbing; this is causing an argument with my doctor. Not that I'm afraid of arguments, after all, I'm Irish! His argument is that since I have Parkinson's Disease, one of the more successful treatment regimens includes a HIGH carb diet! Good for one, bad for another! However, when looking at it, low-carbing can lower my BG, help me lose weight, and lessen some of the effects of the DM. And the effect on my Parkinson's would be minimal, I think (?) I have begun by eliminating bread and rice. What else are the worst villians? And it's going ot be difficult, I'm a sandwich guy from way back! What about wheat bread? I have read labels for years, now I am looking at carbs, too. Rev Jim Sutter Cleveland, Ohio USA Never give up hope and imagination, they are our future http://hometown.aol.com/revjsutter/myhomepage/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 1999 Report Share Posted October 8, 1999 Jim ... <pausing ... clearing my throat ...> Are you ready to low-carb to drop the weight and the fluid and control appetite and drop your glucose levels into normal range? I keep thinking about you and what a wonderful candidate you would be for low-carbing ... It is - after all that you have been through - the simple answer that could make a tremendous difference in your health status. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 Jim, you wrote: << I am seriously looking at low-carbing; this is causing an argument with my doctor. Not that I'm afraid of arguments, after all, I'm Irish! His argument is that since I have Parkinson's Disease, one of the more successful treatment regimens includes a HIGH carb diet! Good for one, bad for another! >> Jim, I'm just awake now, having my usual insomnia. I keep thinking about you and what would help you the most. I remembered the doctor had given a reason for you not to low-carb, but - 60s chick that I am - I couldn't recall it. I'm so glad you responded right away. I'm going to do some online research and see what I can find about Parkinson's and diet. What I have noticed is that there are health problems that mimic Parkinson's ... Is there some definitive test that proves it is Parkinson's ... and not a set of similar symptoms? I have run across references to this online ... I need to do some digging. E.g., the lady my mom used to take to church had Parkinson's ... and then they switched her medicine for some other condition and the " Parkinson's " disappeared! << However, when looking at it, low-carbing can lower my BG, help me lose weight, and lessen some of the effects of the DM. And the effect on my Parkinson's would be minimal, I think (?) >> That's what I'm wrestling with too, Jim. We need to find you some immediate relief - for several serious conditions. What I think the low-carb would do for you would be to cause an immediate shedding of unnecessary fluid ... You could lose 10-15 lbs. right away. I'm sure it would lower your glucose levels ... a good chance you could drop the insulin. It decreases the appetite. This is the first time in my life I haven't been obsessed with a gnawing hunger when I cut back on food intake. (Rob just reported to the group his own amazing improvement.) With substantial weight loss, the sleep apnea should improve. It would be like non-surgical removal of fatty tissue in the throat. If the sleep apnea improves, you should be more well-rested and the pulmonary hypertension should improve. Weight loss would be a gift to your heart, blood pressure, your joints. Ron Sebol of the low-carbing diabetics' group claims there's research showing that a 15% weight loss causes a 50% improvement in insulin resistance. You are surely insulin-resistant. That means that your pancreas is working overtime to churn out insulin to deal with the carbs; your liver is working overtime to balance this; and you are adding injected insulin. This is all a strain on your kidneys. Also, the elevated glucose levels are hard on your kidneys, your eyes, your heart ... causes neuropathy, hypertension, circulation problems, increases risk of gangrene. I will begin looking now ... may get sleepy and toddle back to bed, and resume early tomorrow. << I have begun by eliminating bread and rice. What else are the worst villians? And it's going ot be difficult, I'm a sandwich guy from way back! What about wheat bread? I have read labels for years, now I am looking at carbs, too. >> Jim, what I do (there are various approaches which work for people) is to try to set a limit of 15 grams of carbs per serving on the foods I buy. Since I try to keep my carb intake below 100 grams daily, that seems to work out fine. (Yesterday at one meal I ate 40 grams of carbs and I was in trouble ... 20-30 per meal is my limit.) In the bread aisles, you will notice that the carb count can be anywhere from about 13 to 30 grams a slice. I usually come home with a loaf of rye ... it just depends on the carb count. Some of the white breads are about as low as the others ... it's better to go for whole-grain bread, as you suggested. But sometimes, with manufactured bread, they add sweeteners to them, which jacks up the carb count. My problem foods: all pasta, potatoes, rice, starchy veggies Other foods reported causing problems: root crops, cereals, milk, anything sweet-tasting (even artificially-sweetened) Some general rules are to think hard before selecting low-fat or fat-free foods, because usually the carb content is higher than the regular version. (It's tough to do at first, Jim ... we are so indoctrinated about avoiding fat.) I gave up snack crackers ... You can find a few that are 15 grams/serving ... but the " serving " is 5 crackers. Cookies? The " serving " is ONE cookie ... I DON'T THINK SO!!! Sandwich Tricks: eat the sandwich open-faced ... make the topping something low-carb, or carb-free, like lean meat, low-fat cheese, egg salad. Space the carb intake out by " grazing " throughout the day, rather than a few big meals. Eat your veggies raw whenever possible, rather than cooked. Never drink what you can eat. As radical as it sounds, fruits are not a good idea for us. If you do eat fruit, make it just one ... and pick the less-juicy models. (That ain't " water " in the watermelon ... It's " fruit juice. " ) Nutrition labels are our friend. Some of my Food Fwiends: olives, dill pickles, fresh veggies dipped in guacamole dip, salads salads salads, lean meats, low-fat cheeses, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, field peas, nuts (in moderation ... watch the fat content), spices and vinegar to jazz up flavors, frozen Oriental veggies. The low-carb foods cost more than the high-carb items ... but (leap of faith here, kiddo ...) your appetite will decrease so much low-carbing that you will probably eat far less. There are tricks ... I save a lot of money by buying the marked-down meats. (It's important to keep your refrigerator at 40 and your freezer at 0 ... and when you thaw meat out, to cook it very soon.) I buy store brands whenever possible also. Hugs, Susie ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 I've been eating soy bread recently (a slice a week or so). It's pretty good, seems to keep okay (in the fridge), and I like the fiber content. The label says ...run and get the loaf!... Total carbs 11g, dietary fiber 2g per slice. It's sprouted wheat berries, barly malt, gluten, sprouted soybeans, toasted soy nuts, soy flour, fresh yeast ( I didn't know it came that way!), unsulphured molasses, sea salt, and soy based lecithin. I wish I could find some with out the molasses, but it seems to be just a little, and for as little as I eat, it's okay. Robin G. ----Original Message Follows---- From: RevJSutter@... I have begun by eliminating bread and rice. What else are the worst villians? And it's going ot be difficult, I'm a sandwich guy from way back! What about wheat bread? I have read labels for years, now I am looking at carbs, too. Rev Jim Sutter Cleveland, Ohio USA Never give up hope and imagination, they are our future http://hometown.aol.com/revjsutter/myhomepage/index.html << text3.html >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 In a message dated 99-10-08 21:37:45 EDT, you write: << I don't mind sticking myself, that's no problem. The problem is the weight I gain from it. >> Every time someone puts the blame on insulin for weight gain it gives me pause...were you around when I posted on similar subject to Toni a little while back? We need to watch the calories, too. I know it's hard for you to do physical activity because of your other problems so you need to factor that in. Of course, it could be water retention...I don't know that I've ever read that insulin causes that, though. Anyway, I know you'll keep up the good fight. I wish for you improved health and decreased pain. Hugs, Vicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 Hi again, Jim...I didn't realize you weren't low carbing yet. So I'm sure you know from this list that breads, rice, pasta are the true villains. If you absolutely have to have a sandwich try open faced (one-sided) or " foldover " type...if you're a label reader you'll find some breads are as high as 22 carbs per slice. I've found that (packaged) rye bread is the lowest at 13 carbs per slice. So if I get a sandwch fit guess what kind I use! Another way to get the " sandwich effect " without bread is to take a lettuce leaf, fill it with your favorite sandwich filling and roll it up (or do it sandwich style even). Interestingly too, I find that those little purple potatos don't have as much bad effect on my body as white potatos, so if you can find 'em, try that. I can also have maybe one small red potato. Baked Idaho potatos are not a food I can eat, though. Also I seem to be able to eat yams (a small one or half one) too. The only way to find out is try something and test. Vicki In a message dated 99-10-08 22:23:21 EDT, you write: << I have begun by eliminating bread and rice. What else are the worst villians? And it's going ot be difficult, I'm a sandwich guy from way back! What about wheat bread? I have read labels for years, now I am looking at carbs, too. >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 my dream is to not to be diabetic at all but if i have to be diabetic, to be able to eat along with my meds - i hate dieting - but like my husband pointed out earlier - what would you rather do -diet and take pills or die? good point - hugs Re: Lab Results > From: WHIMSY2@... > > In a message dated 99-10-08 21:37:45 EDT, you write: > > << > I don't mind sticking myself, that's no problem. The problem is the weight > I > gain from it. >> > > Every time someone puts the blame on insulin for weight gain it gives me > pause...were you around when I posted on similar subject to Toni a little > while back? We need to watch the calories, too. I know it's hard for you to > do physical activity because of your other problems so you need to factor > that in. Of course, it could be water retention...I don't know that I've > ever read that insulin causes that, though. Anyway, I know you'll keep up > the good fight. I wish for you improved health and decreased pain. Hugs, > Vicki > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 Vicki wrote: << Interestingly too, I find that those little purple potatos don't have as much bad effect on my body as white potatos, so if you can find 'em, try that. I can also have maybe one small red potato. Baked Idaho potatos are not a food I can eat, though. Also I seem to be able to eat yams (a small one or half one) too. The only way to find out is try something and test. >> I noted at the USDA site giving nutritional content of foods that the skins of thick-skinned taters like Idaho contain about half the total carbs ... It makes sense to eat the thin-skinned ones - or to eat an Idaho unpeeled if you feel you must. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 Vicki wrote: << Every time someone puts the blame on insulin for weight gain it gives me pause >> One way that occurs is for people to " feed hypos " at times when they have too much insulin for the carbs they ate. This also happens with type 2's on sulfonylureas. We are only human ... this estimating of foods and timing and types of insulin is inexact ... mistakes can be made in both directions, unless we are absolutely rigid about our food intake and daily schedules. And another cause of insulin-related weight gain can be, as has been mentioned, the sense that a person can overeat and " cover it with insulin. " Another theory, favored by some of the low-carb authors, is that insulin is a growth hormone, and that once we have reached full height, an excess of insulin causes us to " grow out. " And hyperinsulinism causes fluid retention. I gain/lose 5-8 pounds on a daily basis if I am inconsistent in my carbohydrate intake. People on a low-carb diet should take a good multi-vitamin daily - one that does not contain iron. And extra calcium and C and B-complex and E are good ideas. If you get an urge for rice or potatoes, " ricing " cauliflower in a blender or food processor works pretty good as a rice or potato substitute. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 I wanted to mention a few other thoughts re insulin levels. Jim is surely insulin-resistant. I certainly am! And Dr. Bernstein is convinced that excess insulin levels as well as elevated glucose levels damage the kidneys. And I believe him, because my kidney function improved on a high-protein diet ... because it normalized my diabetes problems. Another consideration is that a high-carb diet gets us on a glucose roller-coaster ride ... our pancreas and liver are working overtime, trying to keep us stable - but we are all over the place ... one time feeling bloated and sleepy following a high-carb meal, then hours later, when we miss a meal, shaky, depressed, headachy, and maybe stomach cramps from hypoglycemia. When we slide into hypoglycemia, our body sents out a " Mayday " warning, and demands that we eat ... NOW ... and it quickly learns which foods bring our particular body back into hyper territory FAST ... For many of us, that is sweets, potatoes, pasta, etc. It would be normal for Jim and others who are on this roller-coaster ride to be feeling food cravings that are nearly impossible to ignore. (Rob recently described his history eloquently in this regard.) Our cravings are, after all, our overworked body's attempt to literally " save itself. " And that is why, I believe, most diets based on low-fat and high-complex-carbs fail ... they go against our hyperinsulinemic body's most urgent need ... to stay alive. Being unable to exercise regularly makes it extra-hard to lose weight on a high-carb diet. My mom has gained 30 pounds in the past year, in a nursing home, because she is in a wheelchair now, and the diet is institutional food. I had my sister doing well on low-carb ... then her doctor talked her out of it. It hurts me now to see her standing in the kitchen, with that wild animal look on her face, shaking and grabbing stuff out of the fridge, because the doc put her back on sulfonylureas. She is taking two different pills, increasing doses, gaining weight, and getting worse. My sister is the same person who didn't have an unnatural appetite when she was low-carbing .... It's the diet that causes it. Many low-carbers are amazed to discover - as Rob has - that the food cravings just vanish. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 Thanks, Susie, I'll start looking at all this. Rev Jim Sutter Cleveland, Ohio USA Never give up hope and imagination, they are our future http://hometown.aol.com/revjsutter/myhomepage/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 In a message dated 10/9/1999 2:25:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time, ottercritter@... writes: << What I have noticed is that there are health problems that mimic Parkinson's .. >> Mine was difficult to diagnose because I also have two forms of epilepsy. The Cleveland Clinic has a Parkinson's specialist, and he saw me once a month for a year before he made his formal diagnosis. I had all kinds of tests, and was put on Amantadine, a common PD drug, and it does work, it controls most of the effects of PD. Rev Jim Sutter Cleveland, Ohio USA Never give up hope and imagination, they are our future http://hometown.aol.com/revjsutter/myhomepage/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 My epilepsy involves focal motor seizures and myoclonus seizures. My epilepsy doc considered a kentogenic diet and for a reason I cannot remember at the moment didn't think it would be wise for me. I think I'll call him next week and ask him why not? Rev Jim Sutter Cleveland, Ohio USA Never give up hope and imagination, they are our future http://hometown.aol.com/revjsutter/myhomepage/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 In a message dated 10/9/1999 7:03:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ottercritter@... writes: << Jim, you and I ain't checking out just yet ... I had heart attacks in April and October 1998. Today, all my blood test results are great - and I have no chest pain. We have too many things to laugh about yet ... You gotta do the long haul with me! >> I'm not planning on leaving just yet, but when God pulls up with the red and blues on, I'll know my speedy trip is done. How's that for a metaphor? I'm not planning on dying today, tomorrow, or soon. But I do accept that when God calls, that's it. In the meantime, I'm not about to jump to the front of the line. I'll keep on doing the ministry and counseling work. Rev Jim Sutter Cleveland, Ohio USA Never give up hope and imagination, they are our future http://hometown.aol.com/revjsutter/myhomepage/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 I wrote: << << What I have noticed is that there are health problems that mimic Parkinson's >> And Reverend Jim wrote: << Mine was difficult to diagnose because I also have two forms of epilepsy >> Does your epilepsy involve seizures, Jim? Interestingly, an extremely low-carb diet (ketogenic diet) is often prescribed for seizures - and works very well in most cases. I believe there are even online support groups and message boards for people using ketogenic diets to manage seizures. I am feeling very hopeful and excited about prospects here for an improved scenario for you. Susie ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 1999 Report Share Posted October 9, 1999 Reverend Jim wrote: << My epilepsy involves focal motor seizures and myoclonus seizures. My epilepsy doc considered a kentogenic diet and for a reason I cannot remember at the moment didn't think it would be wise for me. I think I'll call him next week and ask him why not? >> Jim, go for it. I want you to give it a good try - ASAP. And I know you are just the tough hombre who can pull it off. I'm on ICQ with Rob, and I have been sharing your post about your Navy work ... I laughed so hard!!! Days count. Any time you want to ask me something, I'll get right back to you. I check the internet several times a day. And if you need research, I can provide that. I have thousands of hours invested in this ... can hopefully find what your doctors need to convince them to give you the green light. Jim, you and I ain't checking out just yet ... I had heart attacks in April and October 1998. Today, all my blood test results are great - and I have no chest pain. We have too many things to laugh about yet ... You gotta do the long haul with me! Hugs, Susie ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.